Furniture Cover Devices and Methods of Use

ABSTRACT

A cover device configured to be used in combination with a furniture piece. The device is selectively positionable between a deployed orientation and one or more stowed orientations. In the deployed orientation, a cover of the device extends over the furniture piece and forms an interior space sized for a user. The cover shelters the interior space from noise and light, and may also insulate the interior space to control an interior temperature. In the stowed orientations, the cover is positioned in proximity to the furniture piece in a manner of the user&#39;s choosing and may be configured to have an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Application61/817,753 filed on Apr. 30, 2013 and entitled Furniture Piece CoverDevice and Method of Use. This application is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Furniture pieces come in a variety of different shapes and sizes.Examples include beds, sofas, and chairs. The furniture pieces may beused for variety of different purposes, such as sleeping, sitting,working on a computer, and reading.

There are many contexts in which a cover that extends over the furniturepiece and the user would be desirable. These may include to keep theuser warm, to prevent air drafts and/or outside light from reaching theuser (such as when the user is sleeping), to reduce outside noise fromreaching the user, and to provide privacy to the user.

Previous attempts have been made to provide covers to furniture pieces.However, each of these attempts had meaningful drawbacks. Some coversare not effective in accomplishing their desired function. This mayinclude that light, noise, cold air, and/or air drafts were able toreach the user within the cover, and the cover provided little-to-noprivacy for the user. Another issue with previous covers is they wereaesthetically unattractive. This may include that the cover looked badwhen deployed over the piece and/or when the cover was removed from thepiece.

Previous covers also failed because of a lack of adjustability. This mayinclude when they lack of an exit route for the user. Previous coversfurther did not provide for a stowed position when not in use. Thesecovers required the user to remove the cover from the furniture pieceand store it away (e.g., in a closet or underneath the furniture piece).Otherwise, the cover was aesthetically unpleasing as there was no otherway for the cover to be stowed. This caused the user to either leave thecover over the furniture at all times, or fail to use the cover becausethe set-up was difficult and/or time consuming.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to a device for covering a furniturepiece. The device is positionable in a deployed orientation that extendsover the furniture piece and forms an isolated interior space for theuser. The device is also positionable in one or more stowed orientationsthat are located in proximity to the furniture piece. The stowedorientations provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance that blends inwith the furniture piece in a manner of the user's choosing, such thatthe device does not need to be removed when not in the deployedorientation. Further, the device provides for a straight-forward processof moving between the deployed and stowed orientations.

One embodiment is directed to a cover device for a furniture piece thatis positionable between a deployed orientation that extends over thefurniture piece and a stowed orientation. The cover device includes acover sheet with a length measured between opposing first and secondlongitudinal ends and a width measured between opposing first and secondlateral ends. The cover sheet is divided along the width between a topsection at a central portion of the width, a first lateral side betweenthe first lateral end and the top section, and a second lateral sidebetween the second lateral end and the top section. A connector isattached to the top section of the cover sheet and is spaced away fromeach of the first and second lateral sides. A hanger engages with theconnector to position at least a portion of the top section verticallyabove the furniture piece in the deployed orientation. A tensioningelement is attached to the top section of the cover sheet and is spacedaway from each of the first and second lateral sides. The tensioningelement is configured to apply a tensioning force to the top section ofthe cover sheet in the deployed orientation without applying a forcealong the first and second lateral sides.

The tensioning element may be a rod that is attached to the cover sheet.

The tensioning element may include at least one elastic strap attachedto the cover sheet and may include an outer end with a fastener toattach to the furniture piece.

The tensioning element may be positioned at the first longitudinal endof the cover sheet and the connector may be positioned at the secondlongitudinal end of the cover sheet.

A slit may be positioned in the first lateral side of the cover sheetthat extends inward from the first lateral end towards the top section.

A seam may connect the top section to one of the first and secondlateral sides.

A zipper may connect the top section to one of the first and secondlateral sides, and the zipper may be configured for removing the lateralside from the top section.

The connector may be positioned at an intermediate position long thelength of the top section between the first and second longitudinalends.

Another embodiment is directed to a cover device for a furniture piecethat is positionable between a deployed orientation that extends overthe furniture piece and a stowed orientation. The cover device includesa cover sheet with a central section that extends between first andsecond ends, a first lateral section that extends between the first andsecond ends, and a second lateral section that extends between the firstand second ends. The first and second lateral sections are positioned onopposing lateral sides of the central section. A hanger engages with thecentral section to position at least a portion of the central sectionvertically above the furniture piece in the deployed orientation. Atensioning element is attached to the central section away from each ofthe first and second lateral sections. The tensioning element isconfigured to apply a force to just the central section to reducedeflection of the central section in the deployed orientation. Each ofthe first and second lateral sections are isolated from the force tohang downward from the central section in the deployed orientation.

The cover sheet may include a total of four sides.

The cover sheet may include a total of five sides.

The tensioning element may include at least one elastic strap attachedto the central section of the cover sheet.

The tensioning element may include weighted elements positioned along awidth of the central section.

An enclosure may be formed along the central section of the cover sheetwith the enclosure sized to contain the tensioning element.

The hanger may be attached to the second end of the cover sheet and thetensioning element may be attached to the first end of the cover sheet.

Another embodiment is directed to a cover device for a furniture piecethat is positionable between a deployed orientation that extends overthe furniture piece and a stowed orientation. The cover device includesa cover sheet with a length measured between opposing first and secondlongitudinal ends and a width measured between opposing first and secondlateral ends. The cover sheet is divided along the width between a firstsection and a second section. A connector is attached to the firstsection of the cover sheet and is spaced away from the second section. Ahanger engages with the connector to position at least a portion of thefirst section vertically above the furniture piece in the deployedorientation. A tensioning element is attached to the first section ofthe cover sheet and is spaced away from the second section with thetensioning element configured to apply a tensioning force to the firstsection of the cover sheet in the deployed orientation without applyinga force to the second section.

The second section may be isolated from the tensioning force to hangdownward from the first section in the deployed orientation.

The various aspects of the various embodiments may be used alone or inany combination, as is desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device in a deployed orientationextending over a furniture piece.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a device in a first stowed orientation.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a device in a second stowedorientation.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the device of FIG. 1 in the deployedorientation.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the device of FIG. 2 in the stowedorientation.

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of a cover, a tensioning element, and ahanger.

FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a cover.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a cover in a deployedorientation.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the cover of FIG. 7 cut along lineVIII-VIII.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a cover in a deployedorientation.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a cover in a deployedorientation.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a device in a deployed orientation.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a device in a deployed orientation.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a device in a deployed orientation.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a device in a deployed orientation.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a bracket of a hanger.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a two-piece bracket supporting an elongatedmember and a weight.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a device in a stowed orientation.

FIG. 18 is a side schematic view of a device configured to be attachedto a ceiling.

FIG. 19 is a front schematic view of the device of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to a furniture cover deviceconfigured to be used in combination with a furniture piece. The deviceis selectively positionable between a deployed orientation and one ormore stowed orientations. In the deployed orientation, a cover of thedevice extends over the furniture piece and forms an interior spacesized for one or more users. The cover shelters the interior space fromone or more aspects including noise, light, and air drafts. The covermay also insulate the interior space to control an interior temperature.In the stowed orientations, the cover is configured to have anaesthetically pleasing appearance.

The device 10 is configured to create a partially or fully enclosedinterior space above a furniture piece 100 when in the deployedorientation. The device 10 generally includes a cover sheet 20(hereinafter cover) sized to extend over the furniture piece 100. Thecover 20 includes opposing first and second longitudinal ends spacedapart along the length of the furniture piece 100, and opposing firstand second lateral sides spaced across along the width. The device 10also includes a hanger 40 configured to be attached to a verticalsupport 110 above the furniture piece 100. The sheet 20 may beconfigured to be attached to the hanger 40, or may include a connector30 to attach to the hanger 40. The device 10 also includes a tensioningelement 90 attached to the cover 20 to reduce deflection between thecover first and second ends when the cover is deployed, thus enlargingthe interior enclosed space.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the device 10 in a deployedorientation extending over a furniture piece 100. FIGS. 2A and 2Billustrate this device 10 in different stowed orientations each inproximity to the furniture piece 100. The stowed orientations mayinclude the cover 20 positioned along a vertical support 110 inproximity to the furniture piece 100 as illustrated in FIG. 2A, orpositioned on the top of the furniture piece as illustrated in FIG. 2B.In the various stowed orientations, the cover 20 has an aestheticallypleasing appearance. The user is able to stow the cover 20 in a varietyof different orientations depending upon their needs and/or theaesthetic appearance that they desire.

The cover 20 is sized to extend over the furniture piece 100 in thedeployed orientation. In this embodiment, the hanger 40 is attached to asupport 110 (which in this embodiment is a vertical wall in proximity tothe furniture piece 100) and configured to position a portion of thecover 20 above the furniture piece 100 in the deployed orientation. Asillustrated in the deployed orientation in FIG. 1, the cover 20 forms aninterior space over the furniture piece 100 that is sized for one ormore users. In the stowed orientation of FIG. 2, the cover 20 is not inuse and is positioned away from the furniture piece 100. The cover 20 isarranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner such that it can be leftuntil re-deployed. Further, the device 10 is configured for astraight-forward movement to change between the deployed and stowedorientations.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side schematic view of a device 10 in the deployedorientation extending over the furniture piece 100. The cover 20 issized to extend over the furniture piece 100 and form the interior space50 sized to receive the user who is positioned on the furniture piece100. The hanger 40 is attached to the support 110 at a locationvertically above the furniture piece 100 to position the cover 20 overthe furniture piece 100 and form the interior space 50. The tensioningelement 90 is attached to the cover 20 to apply a force to pull acentral portion of the cover 20 away from the hanger 40. In thisembodiment, the tensioning element 90 is an elongated rod that isattached to the cover 20. The tensioning element 90 applies a force to acentral portion of the cover 20. This force pulls this section of thecover 20 tight to enlarge the interior space 50. Lateral sections onopposing sides of the central portion do not receive the force of thetensioning element 90 and therefore hang downward on opposing sides ofthe furniture piece 100. This embodiment also includes a portion of thecentral section hanging downward from the hanger 40 to extend behind thefurniture piece 100 (i.e., at the head of the furniture piece 100 withthe tensioning element 90 at the foot of the furniture piece 100).

FIG. 4 illustrates a side schematic view of a device 10 in a stowedorientation. In this embodiment of the stowed orientation, the cover 20remains attached to the hanger 40. The stowed orientation locates thecover 20 at an end of the furniture piece 100 in an aestheticallypleasing manner. Although a majority of the cover 20 is positioned awayfrom the piece 100, a portion may still extend over the furniture piece100 depending upon the position of the hanger 40 and the size of thecover 20. In one or more embodiments, an entirety of the cover 20 ispositioned on the furniture piece 100 in the stowed orientation.

The cover 20 is sized to extend over the entirety of a portion of thefurniture piece 100. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the cover 20 includes alength L measured between longitudinal ends 21, 22, and a width Wmeasured between opposing lateral sides 23. The cover 20 may be sizedrelative to the furniture piece 100 such that a perimeter edge extendsbelow a top 101 of the furniture piece 100 in the deployed orientation.The amount that the cover 20 extends below the top 101 may vary. In oneembodiment, the cover 20 extends to the floor underneath the furniturepiece 100. Other embodiments may include the cover 20 having a differentsize such that one or more sections of the perimeter edge are positionedabove the top 101.

The cover 20 includes a central section 85 that extends along the lengthbetween the first and second ends 21, 22. The central section 85 is theportion of the cover 20 that aligns with the top 101 of the furniturepiece 100 in the deployed orientation. The central section 85 may have avariety of different widths depending upon the size of the furniturepiece 100. A first lateral section 86 is positioned on a first lateralside of the central section 85. This section 86 extends between thefirst lateral side 23 and the central section 85. A second lateralsection 86 is positioned on the opposing second lateral side of thecentral section 85 and extends between the second lateral side 23 andthe central section 85. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, each lateralsection 86, 87 has the same width. Other embodiments may includedifferent widths.

In one or more embodiments, the different sections 85, 86, 87 areseparated by dividers 70. The dividers 70 may include a variety ofdifferent configurations, including but not limited to seams, adhesives,mechanical fasteners, and combinations thereof. The dividers 70 mayprovide for selectively removing one or more of the sections from thecover 20. In one embodiment, one or more of the dividers 70 are zippersthat provide for selectively attaching the one or more sections. In oneor more embodiments, the different sections 85, 86, 87 are not separatedby dividers.

In one or more embodiments, sheet 20 includes a substantiallyrectangular shape as illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 includes the sheet 20in an open configuration in which it is generally planar. Sheet 20 mayalso include different shapes in the open configuration. In one or moreembodiments, sheet 20 may be shaped to provide for a fitted shaped whendeployed. FIG. 6 includes an embodiment with the central section 85including a greater length than the lateral sections 86, 87. Variousother shapes and sizes may also be used to conform to the furniturepiece 100 and to adjust a size and aspects of the interior space 50.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an embodiment of the cover 20 in a deployedorientation. In this embodiment, the central section 85 is furtherdivided into a top section 71, a foot section 72, and a back section 73.Opposing lateral sections 86, 87 are also positioned on opposite sidesof the top section 71. In one or more embodiments, each of the sectionsis substantially planar when the cover is in the deployed orientation toextend completely around the furniture piece 100 is surrounded. In oneor more embodiments, the dividers 70 provide for attaching the sectionstogether at various angular positions. As illustrated in FIG. 8, thefirst lateral section 86 is at an angle β relative to the top section 71and the second lateral section 87 is at an angle α relative to the topsection 71. In this embodiment, each of angles α and β are about 90°.Other embodiments may include different angles. This “fitted”configuration may provide for the cover 20 to more specifically matchthe dimensions of the furniture piece 100.

The cover 20 may be constructed as a single continuous piece, or fromtwo or more separate pieces that are attached together. In one or moreembodiments, each section of the cover 20 is constructed from a separatepiece that is connected together at the one or more dividers 70. Thedifferent pieces may be made from the same or different materials. Thedividers 70 may provide for selectively removing one or more of thesections from the cover 20. In one embodiment, one or more of thedividers 70 are zippers that provide for selectively attaching the oneor more sections.

FIGS. 7 and 8 include the cover 20 having five sides (i.e., top section71, foot section 72, back section 73, and lateral sections 86, 87).Other embodiments may include different numbers of sides. FIG. 9illustrates an embodiment with four sides (i.e., the central sectionincludes a top section 71 and foot section 72 without a head section).FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment with three sides. Various otherembodiments may include different numbers of sections. Further, thedifferent sections and sides may be folded in various configurations inboth the deployed and stowed orientations.

In one embodiment of manufacturing the cover 20, the user provides thedimensions of their furniture piece 100. The cover 20 is thenconstructed to be tailored to these dimensions.

In another embodiment, the cover 20 does not include dividers 70. Thecover 20 extends over the bed 100 in the deployed position and generallyfolds about the furniture piece 100 to conform to the dimensions. Thecentral section 85 extends over the top of the furniture piece 100, andthe lateral sections 86, 87 extend over the opposing sides.

The cover 20 may be constructed from a variety of different materials.Examples include but are not limited to cotton sheeting, polyesterfleece, plastic sheeting, elastic sheeting (e.g., Spandex material),flannel, gauze, vinyl, and leather. The cover 20 may be a single ply, ormay include two or more plies. The cover 20 may be constructed from thesame material throughout, or may include one or more different sectionswith different constructions. The cover 20 may be opaque to preventlight from penetrating into the interior space 50 when in the deployedorientation. The cover 20 may also be constructed to prevent or reduceexterior sounds from being audible within the interior space 50 when inthe deployed orientation.

The tensioning element 90 is attached to the central section 85 of thecover 20 and causes a force to be applied to the central section 85 toreduce deflection in the deployed orientation thus enlarging theinterior space 50. The force applied by the tensioning element 90 is notexerted on the lateral sections 86, 87. Therefore, these sections 86, 87hang downward from the central section 85 via gravity to extend aroundthe furniture piece 100.

The tensioning element 90 may include a single element (as illustratedin FIG. 11), or may include multiple elements. In embodiments withmultiple elements, each element may be the same or different. Thetensioning element 90 may also allow the cover 20 to be draped or foldedon or near the furniture piece 100 when not in use.

The tensioning element 90 may be connected to the cover 20 at a varietyof locations along the central section 85, including the first end 21,second end 22, and intermediate locations. The tensioning element 90 maycomprise various configurations, including but not limited to a weight,such as a weighted rod or heavy fabric strip, soft or foldable elementsthat stiffen when the cover 20 is in use (e.g., shape-memory polymers,current-induced stiffeners such as electrorheological materials),elastic or nonelastic straps, fabric sections, elastic bands, clips,hooks, and grommets. In one or more embodiments, the tensioning element90 is attached to the cover 20. Other embodiments may include the cover20 having a receptacle 92 sized to receive the tensioning element 90. Inone embodiment as schematically illustrated in FIG. 11, the cover 20includes a sleeve 92 sized to receive a weight (FIG. 11 includes anelongated rod).

In one or more embodiments, the tensioning element 90 is attached at ornear the first end 21 of the central section 85 of the cover 20. Thetensioning element 90 acts to pull the central section 85 away from thehanger 40 in the deployed orientation. This prevents the cover 20 fromsagging over the furniture piece 100 and thereby increases the volume ofthe interior space 50. FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment with thetensioning element 90 attached at the first end 21. In this embodiment,the tensioning element 90 is a rod that fits within a sleeve 92 in thecover 20. The rod extends across the width W of the central section 85.

The tensioning element 90 may also include one or more elastic membersthat can be stretched in the deployed orientation to apply a force tothe cover 20. FIG. 12 illustrates tensioning straps 91 positioned at theend 21 of the central section 85 of the cover 20. The straps 91 areconfigured to attach to the furniture piece 100. In one embodiment, thestraps 91 include fasteners or hook-and-loop connectors that engage withcorresponding devices on the furniture piece 100. Another embodimentillustrated in FIG. 13 includes tensioning straps 91 at the opposing end(i.e., second end 22) of the cover 20. The straps 91 are configured toengage with the hanger 40. In the various embodiments, the end of thecover 20 opposite from the straps 91 is configured to be held inposition. This may include the end being attached to the hanger 40 (FIG.12) or secured to the furniture piece 100 (FIG. 13). The cover 20 may besecured to the furniture piece 100 through various manners, including bybeing positioned under the furniture piece 100, and by fasteners on thecover 20 that connect to the furniture piece 100.

In one or more embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 14, the tensioningelement 90 extends the length L of the cover 20. A first section of theelement 90 may extend outward from the first end 21 of the cover 20 anda second section may extend outward from the second end 22. Each of thesections is configured to be secured to the furniture piece 100, hanger40, vertical support 110, or other structure. In one or moreembodiments, one or more elastic straps 91 extend the length of thecover 20.

In one or more embodiments, the cover 20 is constructed of a flexiblematerial. In one specific embodiment, the cover 20 is constructed fromSpandex. This provides for the cover 20 itself to be the tensioningelement 90 such that it can be pulled tight in the deployed orientation.The cover 20 may be further configured to be secured on the opposingends 21, 22 to the furniture piece 100, hanger 40, vertical support 110,or other structure.

The cover 20 may also include one or more vents 25 as illustrated inFIG. 3 for air to flow into and out of the interior space 50. The one ormore vents 25 may have various sizes, and may be positioned at variouslocations about the cover 20. The vents 25 may further include closuredevices 26, such as zippers, buttons, hooks, magnets, etc. to open andclose the vents 25, and to adjust the size as necessary.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the cover 20 may also include one or moreslots 51 that extend inward from the perimeter edge to allow for usersto move into and out of the interior space 50 when the device 10 is inthe deployed orientation. This provides for user movement into and outof the interior space 50 without having to change the device 10 from thedeployed to the stowed orientation. The slots 51 may be configured to beclosed when the user is in the interior space 50. This may includeforming the slots 51 such that opposing sides overlap. The slots 51 mayalso include one or more closure devices (e.g., zipper, buttons,magnets, hooks). In one or more embodiments, a separate flap is attachedto the cover 20 in proximity to the slot 51. The flap is sized andconfigured to be positioned over the slot 50 to close the slot 50. Theflap may also be moved away from the slot 50 as necessary.

The device 10 also includes a hanger 40 configured to position at leasta portion of the cover 20 vertically above the furniture piece 100. Thehanger 40 may also be configured to receive a second portion of thecover 20 in the stowed orientation to position the cover 20 relative tothe furniture piece 100. The hanger 40 may be permanently or removablyattached to the cover 20.

In one embodiment, the hanger 40 includes one or more brackets 41 and anelongated member 42. In one embodiment, the hanger 40 includes twobrackets 41 that are spaced apart across the width W of the cover 20with each being configured to receive the elongated member 42. Otherembodiments may include three or more brackets 41. In the multi-bracketembodiments, each of the brackets 41 may include the same or differentshapes and/or sizes. In another embodiment, the hanger 40 includes asingle bracket 41.

FIG. 15 illustrates a bracket 41 that includes a first side 43configured to be attached to the support 110. The first side 43 mayinclude at least a portion that is substantially flat to mount againstthe support 110. Bracket 41 also includes one or more openings (notillustrated) to receive a fastener for attachment to the support 110. Afirst receptacle 44 may be configured to hold the elongated member 42that is attached to the cover 20. Bracket 41 may also include a secondreceptacle 45 that may be configured to receive a portion of the cover20 at or near the first end 21 in the stowed orientation. In oneembodiment, this includes a portion of the cover 20 itself such as thefirst end 21. In one embodiment, the second receptacle 45 is configuredto receive the tensioning element 90, such as an elongated rod. Inanother embodiment, the second receptacle 45 is configured to receiveone or more elastic straps 91. The receptacles 44, 45 may includevarious shapes and sizes depending upon the different aspects of thecover 20. The receptacles 44, 45 may include an enclosed perimeter, asillustrated by the first receptacle 44 in FIG. 15, or may include anopen perimeter as illustrated by the second receptacle 45. In oneembodiment, the second receptacle 45 is open to facilitate receiving aportion of the cover 20 at or near the first end 21 when the userpositions the device 10 in the stowed orientation. FIG. 15 includes thefirst receptacle 44 positioned vertically above the second receptacle45. This configuration provides for an elongated member 42 that formspart of the hanger 40 to be positioned vertically above the tensioningelement 90 in one of the stowed orientations. Other embodiments mayinclude the first receptacle vertically below the second receptacle 45,or at the same level.

Hanger 40 may also include a variety of shapes and sizes. These mayinclude but are not limited to one or more hooks, bands, ties, rings,etc.

FIG. 15 includes the bracket 41 being a single, unitary piece. Bracket41 may also include multiple pieces as illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 16. Bracket 41 includes a first piece 41 a configured to hold afirst section of the cover 20, and a second piece 41 b to hold a secondsection. In one embodiment, the first piece 41 a is configured to hold arod 42 that forms a part of the hanger 40, and the second piece 41 bconfigured to hold the tensioning element 90.

In one or more embodiments, hanger 40 includes an elongated member 42that is attached to the cover 20. The elongated member 42 may be a rodconfigured to fit into the first receptacle 44 of the one or morebrackets 41. Hanger 40 may also be configured to receive other forms ofattachment.

The device 10 may also include a connector 30 attached to the cover 20for connecting with the hanger 40. In one embodiment, the connector 30includes one or more sleeves each sized to receive an elongated member42 of the hanger 40 as illustrated in FIG. 16. The connector 30 may alsobe one or more mechanical fasteners such as but not limited to screws,nails, rivets, and clamps. Connector 30 may also include straps thatextend from the cover 20. In one or more embodiments, these straps arethe tensioning element 90. In other embodiments, the straps are separatefrom the tensioning element 90.

In one or more embodiments, the cover 20 is attached to the hanger 40 ator in proximity to the second end 22. In other embodiments, andintermediate section of the cover 20 is attached to the hanger 40. FIGS.1, 2, 3, and 4 illustrate an embodiment with an intermediate section ofthe central section 85 attached to the hanger 40. The attachment to thehanger 40 divides the central section 85 into the top section 71 and theback section 73. The top section 71 extends from the connector 30 to thefirst end 21 (and is further divided into a foot section 72 due tocontact with the furniture piece 100). The back section 73 extends fromthe connector 30 to the second end 22. In one embodiment as bestillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the back section 73 remains in the sameposition in both the stowed and deployed orientations. In one embodimentas illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the back section 73 hangs downward fromthe hanger 40 and is positioned at the head of the furniture piece 100.

In use, the device 10 may initially be in the stowed orientation whenthe user is not on the furniture piece 100. In one embodiment asillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the stowed orientation includes the cover20 being positioned along a side of the furniture piece 100. The stowedorientation may resemble a head board of a furniture piece 100 or acurtain, both of which accentuate the room and/or hide the purpose ofthe device 10 from a viewer. The stowed orientation may also include thecover 20 being removed from the hanger 40 as will be explained below.

The user may subsequently move the device 10 to the deployedorientation. This may occur with the user being positioned on thefurniture piece 100 or prior to the user being on the furniture piece100. In one or more embodiments, this includes the user removing theportion of the cover 20 (which may include the tensioning element 90)from the hanger 40. The user then pulls the first end 21 such that thecentral section 85 extends over the top 101 of the furniture piece 100.The tensioning element 90 pulls the central section 85 in a directionaway from the hanger 40. The user may also position the lateral sections86, 87 of the cover 20 beyond the lateral sides of the furniture piece100.

The interior space 50 is formed between the top 101 of the furniturepiece 100 and the cover 20. This positioning minimizes or eliminatesexterior light from reaching the interior space 50. In one embodiment,the cover 20 is positioned to contact against one or more of the endsand lateral sides of the furniture piece 100 to prevent any openingsfrom forming between the cover 20 and bed 100.

When inside the interior space 50, the user may exit through a slot 51that extends into the cover 20 from the perimeter edge. In oneembodiment, the cover 20 includes a pair of slots 51 with one for eachlateral section 86, 87.

The device 10 may be changed from the deployed orientation to the stowedorientation either while the user is positioned on the furniture piece100 in the interior space 50, or after the user has exited the interiorspace 50. In one or more embodiments, the user lifts the cover 20 andattaches a section at or near the end 21 to the hanger 40. In one ormore embodiments, this includes the user placing the tensioning element90 in the one or more brackets 41. This may also include hooking aportion of the cover 20 onto the hanger 40.

In one or more embodiments, the cover 20 remains attached to the hanger40 in the stowed orientation. FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate one embodiment.Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 17 in which both the first andsecond ends 21, 22 of the cover 20 are directly attached to the hanger40. In a similar embodiment, the second end 22 is attached to the hanger40, and the first end 21 is detached. This may include the cover 20 in afolded arrangement below the hanger 40 at the head of the furniturepiece 100.

In one or more embodiments, the cover 20 is detached from the hanger 40in the stowed orientation. The cover 20 may then be folded or draped onor in close proximity to the furniture piece 100. This may include thecover 20 spread over the furniture piece, or folded at the head or footof the furniture piece 100.

The tensioning element 90 may also be configured to attach a portion ofthe cover 20 to an overhead structure 112, such as the ceiling 112.FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate an embodiment with the furniture piece 100positioned in a room with a side wall (i.e., support 110), a floor 111,and a ceiling 112. A tensioning element 90 is a connection structureattached to the ceiling 112 that includes a base and a cord. The cover20 includes a connector 29 configured to attach with the cord of theconnection structure 90. The connector 29 is positioned at or inproximity to the first end 21 of the cover 20. The connector 29 isattached to the structure 90 to position the first end of the coverupward away from the furniture piece 100 such that the interior space 50is open to the exterior. In one or more embodiments, the overheadstructure 112 is a bedpost, bed frame, portable frame, window support,or other like structure that is located below a ceiling of the room.

In one or more embodiments, the tensioning element 90 is configured toapply a tensioning force to the cover 20 when attached to the overheadstructure 112. In one or more embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 18, anattachment 99 connected to the overhead structure 112 is positionedoutward beyond a line L that is perpendicular to the overhead structure112. This places the attachment 99 outward beyond an end of the cover 20and beyond the connector 29. The structure 90 that extends between theattachment 99 and connector 29 is than at an acute angle relative to theoverhead structure 112.

The various devices 10 disclosed in this application may be used with avariety of different furniture pieces 100. One embodiment includes theuse of the device 10 with a bed 100. Device 10 may also be used withvarious other furniture pieces, including but not limited to a sleepplatform, futon, sleeping bag, chair, sofa, table, bench, lounge chair,chaise lounge, and recliner.

The support 110 is positioned vertically above the top 101 of thefurniture piece 100 and provides for positioning the cover 20 in thedeployed orientation and some of the stowed orientations. In oneembodiment, the support 110 is a wall positioned behind the piece 100.Support 110 may also include other structures, including but not limitedto a headboard on a bed 100, bedpost, bed frame, portable frame, tree,and window.

In one embodiment, the cover 20 does not include a tensioning element90. The configuration of the cover 20 is adequate to hold the positionof the cover 20 in the deployed orientation and form the interior space50.

Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”,“upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain thepositioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms areintended to encompass different orientations of the device in additionto different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further,terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describevarious elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended tobe limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout thedescription.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”,“comprising” and the like are open ended terms that indicate thepresence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additionalelements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise.

The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways thanthose herein set forth without departing from the scope and essentialcharacteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are,therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cover device for a furniture piece that ispositionable between a deployed orientation that extends over thefurniture piece and a stowed orientation, the cover device comprising: acover sheet with a length measured between opposing first and secondlongitudinal ends and a width measured between opposing first and secondlateral ends, the cover sheet being divided along the width between atop section at a central portion of the width, a first lateral sidebetween the first lateral end and the top section, and a second lateralside between the second lateral end and the top section; a connectorattached to the top section of the cover sheet and being spaced awayfrom each of the first and second lateral sides; a hanger that engageswith the connector to position at least a portion of the top sectionvertically above the furniture piece in the deployed orientation; and atensioning element attached to the top section of the cover sheet andbeing spaced away from each of the first and second lateral sides, thetensioning element configured to apply a tensioning force to the topsection of the cover sheet in the deployed orientation without applyinga force along the first and second lateral sides.
 2. The cover device ofclaim 1, wherein the tensioning element is a rod that is attached to thecover sheet.
 3. The cover device of claim 1, wherein the tensioningelement comprises at least one elastic strap attached to the cover sheetand including an outer end with a fastener to attach to the furniturepiece.
 4. The cover device of claim 1, wherein the tensioning element ispositioned at the first longitudinal end of the cover sheet and theconnector is positioned at the second longitudinal end of the coversheet.
 5. The cover device of claim 1, further comprising a slit in thefirst lateral side of the cover sheet that extends inward from the firstlateral end towards the top section.
 6. The cover device of claim 1,further comprising a seam that connects the top section to one of thefirst and second lateral sides.
 7. The cover device of claim 1, furthercomprising a zipper that connects the top section to one of the firstand second lateral sides, the zipper configured for removing the lateralside from the top section.
 8. The cover device of claim 1, wherein theconnector is positioned at an intermediate position long the length ofthe top section between the first and second longitudinal ends.
 9. Acover device for a furniture piece that is positionable between adeployed orientation that extends over the furniture piece and a stowedorientation, the cover device comprising: a cover sheet with a centralsection that extends between first and second ends, a first lateralsection that extends between the first and second ends, and a secondlateral section that extends between the first and second ends, thefirst and second lateral sections being positioned on opposing lateralsides of the central section; a hanger that engages with the centralsection to position at least a portion of the central section verticallyabove the furniture piece in the deployed orientation; and a tensioningelement attached to the central section away from each of the first andsecond lateral sections; the tensioning element configured to apply aforce to just the central section to reduce deflection of the centralsection in the deployed orientation; each of the first and secondlateral sections being isolated from the force to hang downward from thecentral section in the deployed orientation.
 10. The cover device ofclaim 9, wherein the cover sheet includes a total of four sides.
 11. Thecover device of claim 9, wherein the cover sheet includes a total offive sides.
 12. The cover device of claim 9, wherein the tensioningelement comprises at least one elastic strap attached to the centralsection of the cover sheet.
 13. The cover device of claim 9, wherein thetensioning element includes a plurality of weighted elements positionedalong a width of the central section.
 14. The cover device of claim 9,further comprising an enclosure formed along the central section of thecover sheet, the enclosure sized to contain the tensioning element. 15.The cover device of claim 9, wherein the hanger is attached to thesecond end of the cover sheet and the tensioning element is attached tothe first end of the cover sheet.
 16. A cover device for a furniturepiece that is positionable between a deployed orientation that extendsover the furniture piece and a stowed orientation, the cover devicecomprising: a cover sheet with a length measured between opposing firstand second longitudinal ends and a width measured between opposing firstand second lateral ends, the cover sheet being divided along the widthbetween a first section and a second section; a connector attached tothe first section of the cover sheet and being spaced away from thesecond section; a hanger that engages with the connector to position atleast a portion of the first section vertically above the furniturepiece in the deployed orientation; and a tensioning element attached tothe first section of the cover sheet and being spaced away from thesecond section, the tensioning element configured to apply a tensioningforce to the first section of the cover sheet in the deployedorientation without applying a force to the second section.
 17. Thecover device of claim 16, wherein the second section is isolated fromthe tensioning force to hang downward from the first section in thedeployed orientation.